Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 3/24/2016

The unemployment rate is not the whole story

Florida’s unemployment rate is down almost half from the peak of 11.1 percent during the Great Recession. While that is good news, the number doesn’t tell the whole story. One key metric that is widely overlooked is the labor force participation rate (LFPR), which measures the percentage of the total population aged 16 and above who are currently employed or are unemployed and actively seeking employment. » Full story from Florida TaxWatch is here.

Hurricane experts emphasize preparation

Hurricane experts are stressing mitigation as much as meteorology in advance of hurricane season, which begins June 1. Speakers at the National Hurricane Conference are emphasizing the uncertain nature of forecasting and the importance of preparation and mitigation. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Amtrak on track to return to Gulf Coast

Five weeks ago an Amtrak inspection train rolled across South Mississippi for the first time since Hurricane Katrina, and on Wednesday officials met in Biloxi to move along the dream of restoring passenger rail service across the Gulf Coast. More from the Sun Herald and the AP.

Rollins business plan competition set for Thursday night

One of the region’s better competitions for startup companies is set for Thursday night at the new digs for Canvs coworking space in Winter Park. Four finalists will make presentations, and a winner will be selected for The Rollins Business Plan Competition. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Hillsborough County joins wave of suits over Volkswagen emissions tampering

Hillsborough County's Environmental Protection Commission voted Wednesday to join the growing list of governments and individuals that are suing German automaker Volkswagen for skirting emissions rules. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Around the State
Unchained

The tiny Bay County municipality of Mexico Beach, population 1,050, prides itself as a small, "Old Florida" enclave and wants to protect that image. So it came as little surprise that the city voted against plans for a multimillion-dollar Gulf-front hotel recently.

» Access full story.

Growth
The Villages

Have golf cart, will travel. At least to The Villages. The retirement community in central Florida famous for its souped-up golf carts once again was the nation's fastest growing metro area, according to figures released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau. More from the Orlando Sentinel and the AP.